Lifting spirits with inspiring messages
Norah Harbaugh, 4, daughter of Andrea and Eric Harbaugh, Edgewood, shows one of the signs made by Kendrick Products to boost spirits during the current pandemic.
By Pam Reinig
Register Editor
What do you get when you cross a graphic designer with a production manager both of whom committed to making people smile during this uncertain time? You get a series of creative yard signs with messages reminding people to stay strong, wash their hands and think positive thoughts.
The signs are the brainchild of Kerra Boriskey, production manager at Kendrick Home and Shimleee, both located in Edgewood.
“I wanted to do something that would encourage people to feel hopeful and make them laugh at a time when many are feeling scared or uncertain,” explained Boriskey. “Morgan Dams, a member of our Kendrick Home design and sales team, had an idea of printing designs on yard signs and putting them up throughout the community.”
The first round of signs featured six different messages. The overall appearance is the same—white signs with black messages in a mix of script and regular fonts. The designs are consist with the most popular signs sold at The Markket, a Kendrick Home sister company.
“We gave the signs to my mom, Rhonda Kendrick, to take around the community and spread some cheer,” Boriskey continued. “She had so much fun placing signs in people’s yards and then taking pictures of them.”
With characteristic enthusiasm, Kendrick ordered more signs and more designs. The company now offers 18 different messages. They’ve expanded their coverage area, too. Signs have been delivered throughout Northeast Iowa to communities like Edgewood, Manchester, Dyersville, Colesburg, Garber, Strawberry Point, McGregor and Guttenberg. Signs have also been shipped to Minnesota, North Carolina, Wisconsin and Illinois.
Boriskey estimates that 200 signs have been placed. Signs are available for online viewing at www.kendrickhome.net and can be ordered by email (infor@kendrickhome.net). All proceeds from the sale of the signs is being donated to area medical staff for supplies and food.
As sales indicate, the response to the yard signs has been overwhelmingly positive.
